An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
